The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a progressive, forward-thinking, innovative phone. I genuinely think this device will lay the groundwork for future hybrid foldables—part phone, part tablet. But it still has a lot of growing to do before it’s worth almost $2000.

Truly innovative, futuristic phone, IPX8 water resistance

Big, bulky, and heavy, The cover screen is narrow and cramped, Cumbersome when opened, Cameras are disappointing, Expensive

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the best possible case Samsung can make for a phone that unfolds into a small tablet. It’s the fourth iteration of the same basic idea, refined and repaired over the course of years following an embarrassing false-start failure on the first attempt.

Water resistant, Vastly improved screen feel, Multitasking on Android much better

Terrible under-screen selfie camera, Heavy and awkward as a phone, Expensive

Although it's not massively different to its predecessor, Samsung continues to deliver the most complete foldable experience on the market. Any such device inevitably comes with its share of issues - here there's screen reflections, a central crease, and the under panel camera (UPC) isn't entirely successful in its endeavours - but for sheer show-off factor the Z Fold 3's uninterrupted view really delivers the wow factor.

Big screen makes for most impressive looking foldable on the market; Plenty of power and sturdy software experience; Battery life isn't too sad; S Pen stylus compatible;

Largely similar to predecessor; Screen coating unavoidably reflective and ongoing 'crease' issue; Under panel camera (UPC) can be very noticeable; S Pen not included; Pricey;

The Galaxy Note might be a no-show, but the revamped Z Fold 3 5G is more than worthy of taking its place

New durable design, Substantial UI improvements, Likeable (and unique) form factor

Still expensive, Inner screen feels quite delicate, Cameras aren’t anything special

A folding phone should give you an immersive experience across all of your apps and videos, as well as help boost your productivity - the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G is designed to tick those boxes. While it's still not perfect, it finally feels like a phone that you could actually use day-to-day.

Tough, waterproof design, Fantastic battery life, S Pen support

Still expensive, Too big for your pocket, No power adaptor in the box

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G's giant screen gives it productivity powers no other phone can match.

Unique folding form factor, Enhanced durability and waterproofing, S Pen support

Very heavy, Very expensive, Cameras could be better

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 looks like the best foldable phone yet, with a more durable design and S Pen support, and the multitasking features are even better. You need a case to store the stylus and the cameras are not upgraded, but overall the Galaxy Z Fold 3 looks very promising for power users.

More durable, water resistant design, Dual 120Hz displays, S Pen support, Improved multitasking features, More optimized foldable apps

Still pricey, Camera hardware not upgraded, No S Pen or charger included, Bulky when closed, Battery life could be better

“After three generations of improvements, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has better durability, software support, and productivity capabilities.”

On the surface, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 doesn't have many big upgrades. Instead, it is made up of a ton of smaller upgrades. Which makes the Galaxy Z Fold 3 a really impressive smartphone.

Cheaper than its predecessor, IPX8 rated for Water Resistance, Slightly lighter than Fold 2, Both displays are 120Hz now, Multi-tasking has improved, More apps optimized for foldables now

Lacking rear cameras, Pretty awful under-display camera for Zoom calls, Battery life is slightly worse than last year, Awkward aspect ratio displays make multi-tasking less impressive

A £1600 phone sends our scepticism into overdrive. You could buy a Fiat Seicento with 30,000 miles on the clock and only mild kerb damage for that sort of money. And you’d still have change left over to buy a couple of big-screen budget phones. So we don’t think all that many people should buy a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. But we can’t deny it offers an experience different to any standard smartphone. It’s not the same as having a phone and a tablet, either. There’s no doubling up or looking daft tapping on a 10in screen on the Tube. And Samsung has done a fantastic job of making an unusual phone that rapidly starts to feel normal. Sure, it’s heavy and thick, but the narrow frame deserves a chef’s kiss. No company is doing as much as Samsung to try and make foldable phones a realistic proposition for ordinary people. While we’re not quite there yet, phones like the Z Fold 3 prove there’s more to foldables than just a hugely expensive gimmick.

Surprisingly easy to handle; Tough hinge; Ultra-bright inner screen;

Cameras are mid-tier Samsung performers; Still costs an absolute fortune;